Ceiling Fan

ABSTRACT

A ceiling-fan apparatus having an impeller; at least one light source; at least one filter; and an air channeling device having air channels that are defined at least in part by one or more slats, wherein at least one of the air channels can create a stream of air from airflow generated by the impeller.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Utility Patent Application claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application having Application Ser. No. 60/791,332 filed Apr. 12, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ceiling fans are well known, and their utility in circulating air flow in both commercial and residential buildings is established. Although conventional paddle-blade ceiling fans are well known, there still remains a need for a ceiling fan that is compact, safe, and emits a substantially downward jet of air onto a person or persons in a directed area, wherein the fan can be used in relatively tight spaces, such as a kitchen in a small apartment.

BRIEF SUMNIARY OF THE INVENTION

An illustrative embodiment is directed to a ceiling-fan apparatus comprising:

-   -   an impeller;     -   at least one light source;     -   at least one filter; and     -   an air channeling device having air channels that are defined at         least in part by one or more slats, wherein at least one of the         air channels can create a stream of air from airflow generated         by the impeller.

Further illustrative embodiments are directed to a ceiling-fan apparatus comprising:

-   -   an impeller;     -   an air ionizer;     -   at least one filter; and     -   an air channeling device having air channels that are defined at         least in part by slats, wherein at least one of the air charnels         can create a stream of air from airflow generated by the         impeller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a ceiling-fan apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a ceiling-fan apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a ceiling-fan apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a ceiling-fan apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a ceiling fan apparatus

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to the drawings, there is shown a ceiling-fan apparatus 10. In an embodiment, ceiling-fan apparatus 10 can be mounted to electric box 12 using at least one mounting bolt 38 in combination with mounting plate 44. In an embodiment, ceiling-fan apparatus 10 can be mounted onto electric box 12 using at least two mounting bolts 38 in combination with mounting plate 44. A hinge 20 is attached to mounting plate 44. In an embodiment, hinge 20 is attached to mounting plate 44 at the perimeter of mounting plate 44. Hinge 20 may be made up of upper hinge 19 and a lower hinge 21. Upper hinge 19 links hinge 20 to ceiling plate 44. Lower hinge 21 links hinge 20 to interior-filter housing element 46. In an embodiment, hinge 20 allows the body of ceiling-fan apparatus 10 to pivot when the portion of ceiling-fan apparatus 10 that is substantially opposite of hinge 20 moves in a direction that is either substantially away from or substantially toward mounting plate 44. Lower hinge arm 21 is attached to interior-filter housing element 46 using known methods. As a non-limiting example, lower-hinge and 21 can be attached to interior-filter housing element 46 using a weld. In another non-limiting embodiment, lower-hinge aim 21 can be attached to interior-filter housing element 46 using screws or rivets. Likewise, upper-hinge arm 19 can be attached to mounting plate 44 using any known method. As a non-limiting example, upper-hinge arm 19 can be attached to mounting plate 44 using a weld, screws, or rivets. The manner by which hinge 20 is attached to mounting plate 44 and interior-filter housing element 46 is in no way intended to be limiting. In an embodiment, mounting plate 44 is substantially adjacent to or touching ceiling 50 to which ceiling-fan apparatus 10 is mounted.

Latch 22 is used to secure ceiling-fan apparatus 10 in position. Further, once latch 22 is squeezed or pressed, it can become disengaged from the lip of an interior housing element 52. Upon disengaging latch 22 from the lip of an interior housing element 52, ceiling-fall apparatus 10 is free to pivot on hinge 20. Furthermore, once latch 22 is engaged to the lip of interior housing element 52, ceiling-fan apparatus 10 is secured in position. At a perimeter portion of mounting plate 44, wherein the portion is substantially opposite the point of attachment between upper hinge arm 19 and mounting plate 44, the interior housing lip structure 54 is attached to mounting plate 44. There is no limit on the manner by which interior housing element lip structure 54 is attached to mounting plate 44.

In an embodiment, at least one mounting bolt 38 secures ceiling-fan apparatus 10 to electric box 12. Additionally, in an embodiment, at least one mounting bolt 38 secures Mounting plate 44 to electric box 12. In another embodiment, electric box 12 is not used to mount ceiling-fan apparatus 10 to ceiling 50. In an embodiment, ceiling-fan apparatus 10 is mounted or attached to ceiling 50 using known methods.

In an embodiment, ceiling-fan apparatus 10 is mounted to ceiling 50 and air-intake aperture 14 is described by the distance between ceiling 50 and ceiling-fan housing element 40 that is closest to ceiling 50. In an embodiment, air-intake aperture 14 exists around the entire circumference of ceiling-fan apparatus 10. In a particular embodiment, air-intake aperture 14 has a height of about one inch and is described by the circumference of ceiling-fan apparatus 10.

The interior of ceiling-fan apparatus 10 provides for light element 26. In an embodiment, there is at least one light element 26, and in another embodiment, there are at least four light elements 26 in ceiling fan apparatus 10. In an embodiment, at least one light element 26 comprises a 110-volt light bulb having about a 60 watt maximum. In another embodiment, at least one light element 26 comprises a 40-watt bulb.

In an embodiment, one or more light elements 26 are wired for electricity using conventional methods that are well known in the art. In an embodiment, the electric wiring includes a plug and socket approach that would allow a user to disengage the electric when ceiling-fan apparatus 10 pivots on hinge 20 when opened. In an embodiment, the plug and socket approach uses a self-aligning male and female electrical jacks 60 that engage and disengage as ceiling-fan apparatus 10 pivots on its hinge 20 as a result of being closed or opened respectively. Light housing lens 28 is used as both a housing element for light element 26 as well as a translucent or substantially translucent wall through which light emitted from light element 26 can escape from the interior of ceiling-fan apparatus 10. There is no limit oil the substances that can be used to construct light housing lens 28. In an embodiment, light housing lens 28 is made tip of at least one piece that is substantially circular. In an embodiment, light housing lens 28 can be removed by a user from ceiling-fan apparatus 10 in order to allow for replacing old or burnt-out light elements 26. In an embodiment, hinge 20 is a two-piece device that can be hooked and unhooked to aid with installation and maintenance of ceiling-fan apparatus 10. In another embodiment, hinge 20 has a safety catch. In an embodiment, hinge 20 is a two-piece separable assembly that is 1) safely joinable due to its mating angle and 2) aids with ease of installation.

At least one filter 16 or 18 is useful with ceiling-fan apparatus 10. In a non-limiting embodiment, ceiling-fan apparatus 10 uses first filter 16 and second filter 18. First filter 16 and second filter 18 can be used in close proximity to one another. In an embodiment, each of filters 16 and 18 is substantially flat and extends axially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of ceiling-fan apparatus 10. The shape of air filters 16 and 18 is a non-limiting aspect to ceiling-fan apparatus 10, and, as a non-limiting example, the shape of filters 16 and 18 may be circular, substantially circular, square, substantially square, rectangular, and substantially rectangular. In a further embodiment, the filtering surface of filters 16 and 18 are substantially parallel to mounting plate 44. In yet another embodiment, filters 16 and 18 are positioned such that the filtering elements are substantially parallel to mounting plate 44 and filters 16 and 18 are positioned between impeller 34 and mounting plate 44.

In an alternate embodiment, filters 16 and 18 are circular, wherein the filtering walls extend longitudinally around the perimeter of tile air-intake aperture 14. Stated differently, an embodiment provides for a ring-like donut air filter, wherein the walls of the ring-shaped filter extend along with longitudinal axis of ceiling-fan apparatus 10. In such an embodiment, the ring-like filter wall wraps around tie entire perimeter of air-intake aperture 14.

As non-limiting examples, useful filters can be at least one of a grease filter, smoke filter, dust filter, or a combination thereof. Air filters are well known in the art, and a person of ordinary skill in the art would be able to select useful filters without having to exercise undue experimentation. In an embodiment, at least one filter is made at least in part with a metallic mesh that can be cleaned manually. In another embodiment, at least one filter is made at least in part with a fiberglass plastic mesh that can be cleaned manually. In another embodiment, a mesh filter is water washable and dishwasher safe. In yet another embodiment, at least one filter is made at least in part with charcoal or activated charcoal.

Either first filter 16, second filter 18 or both are secured on the interior of ceiling-fan apparatus 10 using non-moveable air filter lip 56 and filter clamp 48. Filter clamp 48 is moveable and upon disengaging, via bending or squeezing, filter clamp 48, first filter 16 or second filter 18 can be either inserted or removed from ceiling-fall apparatus 10. In an embodiment, before inserting or removing air filters 16 or 18 from ceiling-fan apparatus 10, ceiling-fan apparatus 10 is allowed to pivot on hinge 20 wherein a substantial portion of ceiling-fan apparatus 10 is effectively hanging from only hinge element 20. When hanging from hinge element 20, ceiling-fan apparatus 10 provides ample space for inserting or removing not only filters 16 or 18, but an embodiment also provides for inserting or removing light elements 26 from ceiling-fan apparatus 10 when ceiling-fan apparatus 10 pivots or hangs on hinge 20. In an alternate embodiment, filters 16 or 18 can be removed from ceiling-fan apparatus 10 by sliding filters 16 or 18 out of ceiling-fan apparatus 10 while latch 22 is engaged and ceiling-fan apparatus 10 is closed.

Impeller 34 is located within ceiling-fan apparatus 10, and impeller 34 has a 30 hub and impeller blade 24 attached thereto. In an embodiment, impeller 34 has at least one impeller blade 24. In another embodiment, impeller 34 has at least two impeller blades 24. Impeller blades 24 are shaped such that upon rotating impeller 34, air is caused to flow past impeller blades 24. The shape of impeller blade 24 is not limited to any particular shape, and can be any known blade shape useful for circulating air. Impeller 34 and impeller blade or blades 24 are located within impeller housing element 42. Impeller housing element 42 is a wall that allows an air-flow effect to be created when impeller 34 is rotated. Air flow through ceiling-fan apparatus 10 can travel through the chamber that is described by impeller housing element 42. The cylindrical open-ended chamber described by impeller housing element 42 is effectively a channel for air flow within ceiling-fan apparatus 10. In an embodiment, the diameter of the open-ended cylinder described by impeller housing element 42 may become greater or smaller as a function of distance in the longitudinal direction with ceiling-fan apparatus 10. In another embodiment, the diameter of the open-ended cylinder described by impeller housing element 42 remains constant throughout the longitudinal length of impeller housing element 42.

Ceiling-fan apparatus 10 has air-channeling element 30 that is made up of at least one or more slats 31. In an embodiment, air-channeling element 30 is substantially circular and has at least two slats 31. Air-channeling element 30 has air channels that are at least in part defined by slats 31. The air channels defined by slats 31 can change the width and direction of air flow generated by rotating impeller 34. In an embodiment, the positioning of slats 31 is adjustable. In another embodiment, the positioning of slats 31 is fixed. In an embodiment, slats 31 are substantially circular in the substantially longitudinal direction of ceiling-fan apparatus 10. In yet another embodiment, slats 31 are concave in the substantially outwardly radial direction of ceiling-fan apparatus 10. In an embodiment when ceiling-fan apparatus 10 is mounted to ceiling 50, air-channeling element 30 allows a user to channel air flow generated by ceiling-fan apparatus 10 into a substantially downward direction toward a floor. Furthermore, the positioning of impeller housing element 42 creates a channel of air that travels in a substantially downward direction toward the floor.

Ceiling-fall apparatus 10 also has light/fan switch actuator 36 that allows for turning on and off light elements 26 as well as the impeller motor. In another embodiment, light-fan switch actuator 36 allows for control over the rpms and direction of impeller rotation. In an embodiment, light/fan switch actuator 32 provides a user with chains 32 with which to turn on or off light element 26 or impeller rotation. In another embodiment, a wall-mounted switch serves as the power/light switch for ceiling-fan apparatus 10. In an embodiment, impeller motor can operate at three fixed speeds when impeller motor is on.

In an embodiment, air flow travels through ceiling-fan apparatus 10 by entering air-intake aperture 14 and traveling toward the interior of ceiling-fan apparatus 10. After entering air-intake aperture 14, the air flow travels through at least one of first filter 16 or second filter 18 in a direction toward air channel element 30. After traveling through at least one air filter 16 or 18, the air passes impeller 34 and exits ceiling-fan apparatus 10 via air-channeling element 30. In an embodiment, the volume of air that can travel through ceiling-fan apparatus 10 ranges from 100 to 300 ft³/min. In yet another embodiment, the maximum amount of air flow that can travel through ceiling-fan apparatus 10 is at least one of about 160, about 245, or about 290 cubic feet per minute.

In an embodiment, the impeller motor is located within impeller 34 or directly above impeller 34. Conventional fan motors can be used in ceiling-fan apparatus 10, and there is no limitation on the types of motors that can be used. Fan motors are well known in the art, and a person of ordinary skill in the art will be able to discover useful fan motor sizes without having to exercise undue experimentation. In one embodiment, the impeller motor is a 110-volt motor. In yet another embodiment, the fan motor uses at least one of about 8, about 20, or about 47 watts.

In an embodiment, the diameter of ceiling-fan apparatus 10 can range from 12-18 inches in diameter. In another embodiment, ceiling-fan apparatus 10 can have a height ranging from about 6 to about 8 inches. In another embodiment, ceiling-fan apparatus 10 can have a height ranging from about 6 inches to about 9.5 inches. In still another embodiment, there is no limitation on either the size or overall dimensions of ceiling-fan apparatus 10. Useful dimensions for ceiling-fan apparatus 10 can be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art without having to exercise undue experimentation.

In an embodiment, ceiling-fan apparatus 10 can include an air ionizer within the housing of ceiling-fan apparatus 10. In an embodiment, the ionizer could be positioned within ceiling-fall apparatus 10 such that air flow encountering the ionizer would have already been subjected to filters 16 or 18. Stated differently, the ionizer would be positioned within ceiling-fan apparatus 10 Such that air flow would first encounter filters 16 or 18 and then be subjected to the ionizer. The ionizer could be positioned at any point between impeller 34 and filters 16 or 18. In another embodiment, the ionizer could be positioned between the impeller and air-channeling element 30. Ionizers are well 1mown in the art, and a person of ordinary skill in the art can manufacture an ionizer for use inside ceiling-fan apparatus 10.

In an embodiment, the housing of ceiling-fan apparatus 10 surrounds or houses the impeller 34 and light assembly.

While the ceiling fan has been described above in connection with particular embodiments, as shown in the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiments for performing the same function or functions. Further, all embodiments disclosed are not necessarily in the alternative, as various embodiments may be combined to provide the desired characteristics. Variations can be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the recitation of the attached claims. 

1. A ceiling-fan apparatus comprising: an impeller; at least one light source; at least one filter; and an air channeling device having air channels that are defined at least in part by one or more slats, wherein at least one of the air channels can create a stream of air from airflow generated by the impeller.
 2. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 1, wherein the impeller is positioned within a housing of the ceiling-fan apparatus.
 3. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one light source is positioned within a housing of the ceiling-fan apparatus.
 4. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one filter is at least one of a grease filter, smoke filter, dust filter, or a combination thereof
 5. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one filter is two or more filters, and each of the two or more filters is independently selected from at least one of a grease filter, smoke filter, dust filter, or combination thereof
 6. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one filter comprises a grease filter that is made at least in part with a metallic mesh.
 7. The ceiling-fall apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one air-intake aperture that is positioned around the entire circumference of the ceiling-fan apparatus.
 8. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 7, wherein when the ceiling-fan apparatus is mounted to a surface, the at least one air-intake aperture creates a gap between the surface and the ceiling-fan-apparatus housing element that is closest to the surface.
 9. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 2, wherein the housing is an impeller housing.
 10. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stream of air exits the ceiling-fan apparatus in substantially the same direction as the direction of the air flow generated by the impeller.
 11. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 1, wherein the slats are substantially circular in the substantially longitudinal direction of the ceiling-fan apparatus.
 12. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 11, wherein the slats are also concave in the substantially outwardly radial direction of the ceiling-fan apparatus.
 13. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 1, wherein the position or orientation of the slats is adjustable.
 14. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a hinge that connects a mounting plate to an interior-filter housing element; and a self-aligning male and female electrical jack.
 15. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one filter is substantially flat and extends axially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the apparatus, and wherein a first exterior filtering surface of the at least one filter is oriented substantially parallel to a mounting plate.
 16. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 5, wherein a first filter of the two or more filters is a grease filter, and a second filter of the two or more filters is a smoke filter.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising air ionizer.
 18. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one filter is a circular ring-like structure having walls that wrap around the entire inner perimeter of a circular air-intake aperture.
 19. A ceiling-fan apparatus comprising: an impeller; an air ionizer; at least one filter; and an air channeling device having air charnels that are defined at least in part by slats, wherein at least one of the air channels can create a stream of air from airflow generated by the impeller.
 20. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 19, wherein the air-channeling device is adjustable.
 21. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 19, further comprising at least one light source. 